Among the google results there was also one of those "Yahoo! Answers" pages where people post questions and other people post answers, often unsubstantiated and sometimes dead wrong. The asker gets to choose who gave the best answer.

This is a favorite question of grammar checkers. Most of the time there is little or no difference between the words especially and specially.

Special is a common adjective. Specially is its adverb form. Special means "particular, distinguished in a distinct way, or designed for a particular purpose." Specially means "particularly, in a disintguishing manner, or for a particular purpose."

Especial is an uncommon adjective. Especially, its adverb form, is much more common. Especial means "exceptional, noteworthy, or particular." Especially means "exceptionally, in a noteworthy manner, or particularly."

In the sense of "particular" or "particularly," the words mean pretty much the same thing. Often they can be used synonymously. However, if you want to stress the exceptional or noteworthy quality, then especial or especially is a better choice. If you want to stress the distinctive purpose of something, then special or specially is the word you are looking for.

Example: This program has specially designed macros for word processors. (A distinctive purpose)

Example: He did especially well in All-Star Game. (A noteworthy performance)"So, with that in mind... I think you're doing an especially good job with your blog.Now Don't you just feel Special?Bless your little heart.

ALL HAIL TH POWER OF GOOGLE!It is the bringer off all random knowledge and trivial factoids. We must bask in the glory of its luminescence........................ ........................... ..............................tugboat!

The online version of the Oxford English Dictionary lists "especially" as a word. The link is http://oxforddictionaries.com/view/entry/m_en_us1244892#m_en_us1244892. So there, Google and Yahoo are verified.